We encourage all eligible families to apply for free school meals (FSM). As well as the reassurance that an eligible student is receiving a healthy, nutritious meal every school day, FSM eligibility can also open up other avenues of financial support.
Eligibility
Parents and carers who receive any of the following are entitled to free school meals:
- Universal Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
Only the benefits listed above qualify for free school meals.
A pupil is only eligible for a free school meal where their eligibility has been verified by the local authority/school. Eligibility will not be backdated, so it is very important to apply as soon as possible.
Eligibility for free school meals is split between 2 categories:
Targeted Free School Meals
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less (the existing threshold for free school meals prior to the expansion), will be eligible for targeted FSM. In addition to receiving free school meals, pupils eligible for targeted FSM will attract pupil premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools.
Other education entitlements that have previously been linked to eligibility for free school meals, such as Holiday Activities and the 'extended rights' element of school travel assistance, will also continue to be based on targeted free school meals.
Expanded FSM
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400 will be entitled to expanded free school meals only.
As soon as you have been advised that you are eligible and that your application has been approved, please could you contact the Academy Finance Office to ensure that there is no delay in setting your child up to receive FSM.
How do I apply?
If you believe you may be eligible and would like to apply for free school meals for your child please follow this link: FSM Application and complete the application form.
Alternatively, contact the Academy Office on 01458 250501 for further information.
Other Eligibility Criteria
Children of families who do not receive these benefits may also qualify for free school meals if the family’s annual household income is:
- No more than £22,700 for families outside of London with one child
- No more than £26,300 for families outside of London with two or more children
Also, families must hold no more than £16,000 in capital and savings.
And the parent or carer meets any of these criteria:
- you are a Zambrano or Chen carer
- families who have no recourse to public funds with a right to remain in the UK on grounds of private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
- families receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 who are also subject to a no recourse to public funds restriction
- a subset of failed asylum seekers supported under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- you hold a British National (Overseas) – BN(O) – passport
- you are a spousal visa, work visa or student visa holder
- you have no immigration status.
If this applies to you, please complete the Free School Meals to Families with No Recourse to Public Funds form and return it with the appropriate evidence to fsm@somerset.gov.uk.
